✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Y/N's smirk deepened as Hyungsik spoke, her gaze unwavering as she studied him. The moment his eyes flicked toward the second file on the table, she saw the realization begin to form. He was starting to connect the dots, but the truth was far more intricate than he'd anticipated.

Leaning back in her chair, her eyes gleaming with quiet confidence, she tapped the file lightly. "Here's the real kicker," she said, her voice calm but carrying an unmistakable authority. "With all the research... everything we've pieced together."

Her voice dropped, becoming deliberate. "The lead I've been tracking... it's not just another lab. It's something much deeper. It's a bunker."

Hyungsik froze, his brow furrowing as he processed the words. "A bunker?" he repeated slowly, his voice a mix of skepticism and thoughtfulness. "You mean like those hidden military bunkers? Buried in remote areas, deep in forests or deserts?"

Y/N's smirk softened into something more knowing. "Exactly," she confirmed, her voice steady but unyielding. "A bunker. They're designed to stay off the grid-places where people, soldiers, or whoever's hiding out, can survive for years, isolated with everything they need. Hidden away so no one can find them. Some of these places are massive-rooms, supplies, shelters-but the key? They're built to stay undetected."

Hyungsik's mind raced, but his expression remained steady as he recalled his past experiences. He'd worked alongside military personnel before, heard stories about bunkers, but this... this was something else. Bigger. His voice, when he spoke again, carried the weight of someone who had seen the depths the government could sink to. "Bunkers don't just pop up out of nowhere. They're hidden for a reason-buried in places no one would ever think to look. You're not going to find it unless you know exactly where to search."

Y/N nodded, her expression hardening. "Exactly. These people weren't just hiding from the world; they were hiding from anyone who might come looking. They couldn't afford to leave any trace behind. It wasn't just about protecting their research-it was about staying completely off the radar."

She paused, letting that sink in before continuing. "I combed through every file, examined every note. He didn't find anything-no evidence, no trace, nothing. He was sent to all the well-known labs, the ones everyone thought would hold the key to this whole mess. But there was nothing there. Because those labs weren't where the real work was happening."

Her voice darkened, the pieces falling into place. "If they didn't want anyone to know what they were up to, why would they leave their research in accessible labs? It doesn't add up. They were always a step ahead."

Hyungsik paused, his mind racing through his past experiences. He'd seen how well these places could be hidden-bunkers, false leads, misdirection-it was all part of the game. "So, you're telling me these labs we've been hearing about are just decoys? Places to throw us off, with nothing important actually there?"

Y/N's eyes locked onto his, her expression unwavering. "Exactly. The real experiments were hidden somewhere far from anyone's reach. And that's why they went to such extreme measures to keep it off the map. This is bigger than anything we've been chasing."

Hyungsik's mind churned as he thought about the vast, desolate places where such a bunker could be. "So now we're looking for a needle in a haystack. A needle buried deep underground and hidden in some remote wilderness." he rubbed his forehead in frustration, staring at the documents scattered on the table.

YN chuckled dryly, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Yup. But if we've already uncovered this much, then I'm sure we're getting closer. There's always more to find."

Hyungsik glanced up, eyeing her with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. "You're really going tomorrow, aren't you?"

YN didn't answer immediately. Instead, she shifted her gaze toward the window, her expression distant, as though already lost in the plans swirling in her mind. After a beat, she turned back to him, her tone steady but with an edge of quiet certainty. "Yes, I'm going tomorrow."

Hyungsik raised an eyebrow, the unspoken question hanging in the air. "You're not gonna tell me where, right?"

YN smirked, her eyes flashing with something unspoken. There was a pause, an understanding that passed between them without words. They both knew something-yet neither was willing to give it away. She didn't need to say anything; her silence said it all.

He knew she was holding back. And she knew he wasn't exactly as in the dark as he pretended to be. They had worked together too long, knew each other too well for either of them to truly believe they were keeping secrets from one another. But that unspoken agreement was part of it-sometimes, the less they shared, the more they could protect each other.

Hyungsik leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He wasn't going to press her. Not yet.

The silence stretched, but it wasn't uncomfortable. They both knew the score. When the time came-when they were ready-they would both speak. But for now, the unsaid words were enough.

YN broke the quiet, her voice soft yet resolute. "You'll find out soon enough. But not yet."

With that, she stood, the quiet weight of the moment lingering in the air. Without another word, she grabbed her jacket, slipping it on with deliberate calm. Her movements were purposeful, controlled. Every step was a reminder that, no matter how much they knew, they still had a long way to go before they could confront whatever waited ahead.

Hyungsik watched her leave, his mind racing with the unasked questions and half-formed thoughts that still troubled him. But he didn't chase after her, didn't demand answers. He knew better.

For now, they'd keep their secrets. But sooner or later, those secrets would surface, and when they did, there would be no turning back.

---

Y/N came to a halt atop the hill, her gaze settling on the vast expanse of the base below. The sun was high in the sky, a clear afternoon, though it reminded her of something she had neglected. Her stomach growled in protest, a reminder that she hadn't eaten since the night before. But the long hours spent in the company of her friends.

Her eyes swept over the base from the hilltop. The familiar sight of the secured compound gave her a sense of calm, though it was tempered by the lingering uncertainty that always came with their line of work. The base, large and fortified, stretched across nearly two and a half acres. It had been built by her and her friends when they first arrived here, chosen for its strategic location. The hills around them served as natural barriers, creating a nearly impenetrable perimeter from the outside. From above, it looked like a well-guarded fortress, nestled in the heart of dense trees that surrounded it on all sides.

The thick canopy of trees, towering and solid, served as the perfect lookout, providing an added layer of defense. She had always admired how this place felt like a sanctuary, the trees watching over them as if they had a purpose far beyond providing shelter. There was a certain peace to be found here, even if the world beyond remained uncertain.

With a soft nudge, she motioned her horse, Rebel, to move forward. Orion, the second horse, followed closely behind. Her horses had always been special-they didn't need a rider to guide them. Wherever she went, they instinctively followed, their bond with her something deep and unspoken. It was something only those who had lived through these years of survival could understand-the connection between them and the animals that had become not just companions, but a lifeline.

As the horses trotted down the slope, There was more to discover, and she would find it. No matter how far she had to go.

---

The rooftop was peaceful under the afternoon sun. The group had gathered to rest after completing their duties, sprawled out across the open space in varying states of relaxation. RM and Suga leaned against the railing, quietly chatting, while Jin stretched lazily near the wall, basking in the warmth.

Taehyung sat cross-legged beside Sehun, both men unusually subdued after staying awake all night. Hobi, Jungkook, Jimin, and Jiwoo were scattered across the rooftop, assuming Y/N had already left again. Her comings and goings were unpredictable, and after three months away, no one had expected her to stick around for long.

The door to the rooftop creaked open, and a figure stepped out, silhouetted against the light.

"Is that...?" Jungkook squinted, sitting up straighter.

"No way," Hobi muttered, his brows rising.

Jiwoo blinked in surprise. "She's still here?"

Y/N stepped forward, her katana slung across her back, her expression calm but faintly amused at their reactions.

"Well, look at that," Jin said, smirking. "Thought you'd already vanished into thin air again."

"Yeah," Hobi added, propping himself up on one elbow. "Weren't you supposed to leave at dawn or something?"

"Tomorrow," RM interjected, his tone casual as he turned to look at her. "She's leaving tomorrow, right?"

Suga, still leaning against the railing, glanced over. " You know how she is. She'll be gone until we start thinking she's a myth."

"Nice to see the faith you all have in me," Y/N quipped, rolling her eyes as she crossed the rooftop.

"Faith?" Taehyung snorted. "We've got plenty of that. It's your timing we're not sure about."

"I'm here now, aren't I?" Y/N shot back, settling into a spot near Suga.

"For now," Sehun said quietly, his gaze steady on her.

The others exchanged looks, the tension lingering for a moment before Jungkook broke it with a grin.

"Well, since you're here, you can take over the next supply run," he teased.

"Dream on," Y/N replied, leaning back against the wall.

The banter continued, light and easy, until a loud growl interrupted the flow of conversation. Every head turned toward Y/N, and she froze, her expression betraying a flicker of embarrassment.

"Was that...?" Jiwoo asked, her voice soft but amused.

"Her stomach," Taehyung confirmed, his eyes narrowing. "You didn't eat, did you?"

Y/N shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I was busy."

"You're always busy," Jin said, frowning.

Suga said flatly, crossing his arms. "We were all awake. Don't tell me you haven't eaten since yesterday."

Y/N didn't respond, which was all the confirmation they needed.

"Unbelievable," RM muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Jiwoo stood, brushing off her pants. "I'll get something. Stay put."

"I don't-"

"Don't argue," Sehun cut in, his tone firm. "You just got back. Let us take care of you for once."

The rooftop fell quiet as Jiwoo left, the unspoken concern settling over the group. Even the usual teasing had faded, replaced by a quiet determination to ensure Y/N didn't push herself too far.

When Jiwoo returned with a pack of rations and a bottle of water, she handed them to Y/N without a word. Y/N hesitated for a moment before taking them, her voice soft as she muttered, "Thanks."

The group settled back into their usual rhythm, but the lingering worry was clear. No matter how much Y/N tried to shoulder on her own, they weren't about to let her forget she had people who cared.

---

The dining table was crowded, but the atmosphere was anything but lively. Everyone sat with their plates in front of them, a quiet tension hanging in the air.

"Alright," Jungkook said, breaking the silence as he leaned back dramatically in his chair, "I'm saying it. She's gone again, isn't she?"

"Did you just notice?" Jin shot back, raising an eyebrow. "That seat's been empty."

Taehyung sighed, resting his head in his hand. "Honestly, why do you sound surprised? It's Y/N. If she's here for more than 24 hours, I'd think she's been replaced by a clone."

"She left without telling most of us," Jimin added, emphasizing the word with a pointed look at Suga and RM. "You two probably knew, didn't you?"

RM shrugged, attempting to look innocent. "We weren't sure. She didn't exactly leave a sticky note saying, 'Gone for secret reasons, be back in a week.'"

"She did mention something about tomorrow," Suga admitted casually, not looking up from his food. "Something about going out for one or two weeks."

The table erupted.

"ONE OR TWO WEEKS?" Jungkook exclaimed, nearly knocking over his water glass.

"Wait, wait, WAIT-what?!" Jiwoo leaned forward, her jaw dropping. "She's already gone, and now she's going to leave again?"

"Why are you acting shocked?" Hobi said, a small laugh escaping despite himself. "This is practically a routine with her."

Jong Suk shook his head, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh sure, because that's normal. Leaving without saying anything, coming back whenever she feels like it-perfectly healthy."

Minho smirked, crossing his arms. "You sound like a scorned lover, Jong Suk. Did she forget to say goodbye to you too?"

"She didn't say goodbye to anyone!" Jong Suk retorted, earning a round of chuckles.

"Relax, she'll be back," Taehyung said, waving them off. "Probably with some dramatic story about how she fought off a horde of zombies with nothing but a toothpick and sheer determination."

Jimin groaned. "I'd believe it. But it doesn't change the fact that she's always running herself into the ground. Did she even sleep last night?"

"Nope," Suga said, popping the p. "She was up all night chatting with me, RM, Taehyung, Jin and Sehun."

"You all stayed up too?" Jiwoo asked, exasperated.

"Not like we had a choice," RM replied. "When Y/N decides it's time to reminisce about old times, you listen-or she'll guilt-trip you into it."

"Great," Jungkook muttered, shaking his head. "She's running on no sleep, no food, and pure stubbornness. Classic Y/N."

As if on cue, Jin's head snapped up. "Wait. Did she even eat before she left?"

The table fell silent again, everyone looking around at each other.

"Of course not," Sehun finally said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why would she do something sensible like eat?"

"Unbelievable," Jiwoo muttered. "We're in a literal apocalypse, and she's out there skipping meals like she's invincible."

"Well," Hobi said with a grin, "you can't fault her consistency."

"Consistency is going to get her killed," Jungkook mumbled, though his tone was softened by a small smile.

Despite the jokes, a shared worry lingered under their words. As the group fell back into a mix of light banter and silent concern, one thing was clear: Y/N's unpredictable comings and goings might frustrate them, but they'd still wait for her return-no matter how much they teased her for it later.

---

Y/N's scream tore through the still valley, echoing off the jagged peaks above her. Four days-four relentless days-of wandering through this barren wasteland, chasing the faintest whispers of a clue. And now, another dead end. The mountains loomed like silent sentinels, hemming her in on all sides. The narrow path she'd followed dissolved into a wall of unyielding stone, mocking her efforts.

She spun on her heel, pacing toward the sparse trees scattered across the rocky terrain. The oppressive quiet clung to her, amplifying every ragged breath, every frustrated thought. Her fists clenched at her sides, her breathing heavy, as though sheer determination alone could force the answers to surface.

Dropping to the base of a gnarled tree, Y/N buried her face in her hands. Exhaustion seeped into her bones-physically, mentally, emotionally. Every step she'd taken felt like a betrayal of her dwindling hope. The clues that had led her here seemed less like guiding lights and more like cruel tricks. A bunker? Survivors? Answers? Hell, not even a Stalker. All she'd found was desolation.

She took a deep breath, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. This was the second time she was walking away from the valley's empty promises. The first time, she had stopped at its entrance, lured by its eerie quiet and hints of possibility. This time, she had ventured deeper, only to find the same dead end. Yet something kept her tethered here-the growls. Low and distant, they had echoed in the night for two days straight.

She couldn't ignore them. They were real.

Y/N pushed herself upright, her muscles aching with the effort. Pulling her flask from her bag, she took a long drink, savoring the cool relief. Water was one of the few resources she had in abundance, but food was another story. She pulled out a piece of bread and took a small bite, chewing slowly as her mind worked through her options.

Her gaze lifted to the horizon, where the setting sun painted the valley in hues of amber and gold. Despite her frustration, she couldn't shake the sound that had haunted her since her arrival. The growls. Faint but undeniable, they had stitched themselves into the stillness of the nights, holding her here when logic told her to move on.

Whatever was out there, it was real. It had to be.

"If this place is a dead end," she muttered under her breath, "then the growls are the only lead I have."

The sound of her own voice startled her, breaking the crushing silence, but it also anchored her. If there were no signs of life during the day, then she would wait for nightfall. She would follow the sound-no matter where it led.

As the shadows stretched and the air turned cold, Y/N stood, brushing the crumbs from her fingers. The emptiness of the valley mocked her once more, but she refused to let it break her. Tightening her grip on the blade at her side, she steeled herself.

"If there's nothing here, fine," she said hoarsely. "But those growls? I'm following them tonight. I've heard them twice now, and I can't ignore that." Her voice softened as her thoughts churned. "If there's nothing else out here... then why the hell are they here at night?"

The question lingered, heavy in her chest, as she moved toward the mountains once more. Each step carried a blend of anger and determination. The jagged peaks loomed overhead, cold and unyielding, but they wouldn't stop her. Not now.

At the edge of the valley, she turned back for one last look. Night had begun its slow descent, the shadows creeping closer with every passing moment. And with the darkness came that familiar tension, that instinctual dread.

"Tonight," she whispered, gripping her blade tighter. "I'll follow the sound, wherever it leads me. I'm not walking away from this empty-handed."

---

The night dragged on endlessly, each second stretching into eternity. Y/N sat motionless, her body aching from days of relentless searching, her mind teetering between clarity and chaos. The valley, suffocating in its silence, magnified every ache, every thought, every doubt that clawed at her resolve. Overhead, distant stars blinked coldly, offering no comfort, their faint light barely piercing the darkness.

Then, it came again.

The growl. Faint, distant, like a ghost whispering from the shadows.

"Fuck," she hissed through clenched teeth, her fingers digging into the icy rock. "What the hell is this?"

The sound-so close yet maddeningly elusive-was driving her to the edge. She moved again, slow, deliberate, straining to pinpoint its source. Every time she thought she was near, it slipped away, like sand through her fingers. The valley